How to Grind Flax Seed: 6 Options Including Mortar and Pestle

Cindy Wilson Thumbby Cindy Wilson
BS, Dietetics and Nutrition

Obtained from the very ancient fiber crop, flax seed is very rich in nutrients. They are also known as linseed.

Flax seeds are originally from Egypt and China, where they are massively cultivated.

From phytonutrients, Omega – 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and much more, flaxseed is a must in dietary inclusions.

While I am talking about flax seeds, you must know that these seeds are beneficial when ground and then consumed rather than consumed as a whole.

Why is it essential to Grind Flax Seeds?

It is essential to grind flax seed so that your body can easily absorb all the nutrients.

When the whole seed is consumed, there are chances that this seed passes through the body without getting digested.

Which means the nutrients are not absorbed properly. Because these seeds have a hardcover or shell that protects the nutrients, it is essential to grind them and consume them.

You will get the best nutrient absorption from these seeds when they are ground properly.

Now that we know that let’s get on to how to grind flax seeds.

I have listed down various ways in which you can obtain the best results by grinding them. Have a look:

1. Flax Seed Mill

Flax Seed Mill

One way to make the most of your flaxseed is to use a flax seed mill.

It is a rapid and easy way to grind your seeds and use them.

If you think you are not going to use this device regularly and don’t wish to put any money into this one, there are other alternatives.


Chefman Flax Seed Mill

Blossom Manual Flax Seed

2. Coffee Grinder

Coffee Grinder

If you are a coffee lover, you might be having a coffee grinder at home.

It is effortless and quick to grind flax seeds in a coffee grinder.

You can use it daily and make your food rich in nutrients.

But in case you don’t have one, and you don’t wish to buy either. Still, I have other simple ways for you.


JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder

Cuisinart

3. Pepper Mill

Pepper Mill

Now, this device is a bit similar to the flax mill. So if you have a pepper mill at home, your job is done and easy.

Just put the flax seeds inside it and start rotating. You will get the ground seeds sprinkled on your delicious food in no time.

The only concern is that it can be time-consuming if you are not using an electric device.


COLE & MASON Derwent Pepper Grinder

COLE & MASON Capstan Wood Pepper Grinder

4. Electric Blender

Electronic Blender

You can use the immersion blender as well to grind these seeds.

Take good care to use a deep flask to spread the powdered or ground seeds outside this container.

I prefer to cover the flask with my palm while using the blender. You can also use flasks with lids that allow the blenders inside.

This method will take some time as you need to ensure that all the seeds are ground properly.


Ninja Professional Blender

Vitamix Electric Countertop Blender

5. Food Processor

Food Processor

If you have a food processor at home, you need not worry about any other method.

You can easily grind the seeds in your food processor.

Ensure you have the appropriate quantity of seeds, as significantly fewer seeds will eventually take a lot of time to be ground.

Take a sufficient amount of seeds for them to be ground properly.


Hamilton Beach

Oster Pro

6. Mortar and Pestle

Mortar And Pestle

If you have none of the above and don’t plan to invest in any of them, one simple way is to go old-fashioned.

Use a mortar and pestle to grind your flax seeds. It will hardly cost you anything and will be a good alternative to all of the above methods.

Take a handful of flax seeds and start grinding with a twisting motion.

The only downside: this is a little time and energy-consuming process.

Also, check out my post with detailed reviews of the best mortar and pestle sets in the market.


ChefSofi Mortar and Pestle Set

Kota Japan

Does grinding flax seeds harm its nutrient content?

It would help if you were concerned about flax seed’s nutrients getting lost due to grinding.

To answer this, you must know that these seeds possess Omega – 3 fatty acids.

They start depleting after the outer shell of the seed is lost. It does not mean that if you grind the seeds, the nutrients will deplete.

To protect the nutrients from getting oxidized or depleted, make sure you grind the seeds just before use.

If you want to grind and keep the seeds, use an airtight container and refrigerate the flax seed powder immediately in it.

Even a small amount of heat will deplete its nutrients. Try and use the powder within seven days for the best results.

What are the benefits of flax seeds?

Flax seeds are procured from flax, one of the oldest fiber crops in the world.

These seeds are very rich in Omega – 3 fatty acids, Vitamin B1, manganese, dietary fiber, and micronutrients.

It is a great benefit to have them included in your diet as they provide million-dollar health benefits such as healthy skin and hair, protection against cancer, lowers cholesterol, high in fiber, and low in calories, to talk about a few.

It is effortless to include flax seeds in your diet regularly. Powder the seeds and sprinkle them over your cookies, bread, or even salads.

When included in your diet, one tablespoon of ground flax seeds will make any food rich in nutrients. You can mix it with your oatmeal or cornflakes as well.

Read this post for the exact recommended daily dosage of flaxseed.

When mixed with water, these powdered seeds can also be used to replace the egg while baking.

You can consume them easily by mixing the ground seeds with sauces like mustard, cheese, etc.

Not only do these seeds protect from cancer, but they also help improve digestion. They have a lot of fiber which facilitates digestion. These are gluten-free and also help in weight loss.

Read more about many flax seed health benefits, including weight loss.

Flax seeds are a boon undoubtedly.

Now that you have understood the benefits of flax seeds and how and why to grind them, please include these in your diet more and more.

Regular use of these seeds will sure take you to better health and lifestyle.

About Author

Cindy Wilson Thumb
BS, Nutrition & Food Science | Connect with on LinkedIn
Cindy Wilson

Hello, I am Cindy, and this a website where I inspect everything related to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. I have a BS in Dietetics and Nutrition (Kansas State University) and have completed a dozen specialty courses related to nutrition, biochemistry, and food science. I am open to learning more, but foremost I would like to share all my knowledge with you.

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